Sarawak approves in-situ resettlement plan for Kpg Pasir residents

MIRI (March 31): The Sarawak government has approved an in-situ resettlement plan for Kampung Pasir here, allowing residents to remain on their land while paving the way for legal and secure home ownership, said Datuk Sebastian Ting.

The State Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts described the decision as a historic breakthrough that resolves the long-standing land uncertainty faced by the community.

He said the plan was approved on March 13, enabling residents to remain at their current location while being formally allocated land under a government-designated kampung reserve status to safeguard their rights.

“According to records from Miri Land and Survey Department, the settlement involves 304 households across 282 houses.

“Of these, 197 households fall within the designated planning area and will remain, while 107 households located outside the boundary and along the riverbank will be gradually relocated into the planned area to ensure better coordination and management.

“The state government has designated approximately 14.83 hectares of the current Kampung Pasir site in Lutong as kampung reserve land,” he said in a statement.

Ting noted that many residents have lived in the area since the 1980s, with some even earlier, largely due to the development of the oil and gas industry.

The community, predominantly comprising the Iban ethnic group, has long faced challenges due to the absence of legal land status, which has resulted in limited infrastructure and basic utilities, including shared water and electricity supply.

“With the land issue now resolved, the government can systematically implement infrastructure development, including proper water and electricity supply, to gradually improve the living environment,” he added.

Ting also highlighted that 10 families affected by a fire on March 19 will be given priority assistance.

He said under the Sarawak government’s housing aid scheme, each affected household may receive up to approximately RM85,000 to rebuild their homes.

Meanwhile, he said the District Office will conduct verification and assessment of household data to ensure a fair and orderly allocation process.

This will be followed by a dialogue session by the Miri Land and Survey Department with residents to explain further details and gather feedback.